Motion Preservation Spine Surgery

Motion preservation spine surgery can treat several spine conditions, offering patients an attractive alternative to spinal fusion. You may be a candidate for motion preservation spine surgery if you suffer from one or more of the following conditions:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Sciatica
• Arthritis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Scoliosis
• Kyphosis
• Compression fractures
• Nerve damage

If you have one or more of the conditions above, your doctor will likely recommend conservative, non-surgical treatments before surgery. A few treatment options your doctor may suggest include the following: 

• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Prescription pain medications
• Avoiding lifting heavy objects or repetitive movements
• Hydrotherapy
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Epidural injections
• Weight loss
• Back bracing

If your pain does not respond to conservative treatment methods, your doctor may recommend motion preservation spine surgery to alleviate your symptoms and stabilize your spine. The skilled surgeons at NJ Spine & Orthopedic specialize in minimally invasive techniques to ensure minimal scarring and faster recovery times so you can return to a pain-free lifestyle as quickly as possible. 

Motion Preservation vs. Spine Fusion Surgery

Spine fusion is a surgical method to correct degenerative disc disease and other conditions by fusing two or more vertebrae. This procedure fuses the vertebrae into one solid piece, preventing movement between them. Spinal fusion can be achieved by using traditional techniques involving rods and screws. However, your surgeon may employ an alternative approach to bond your vertebrae using bone grafts. 

Motion preservation surgery is a more modern and less invasive surgical procedure that uses flexible artificial discs that promote continuous motion between the vertebrae. This surgical technique is popular among patients and surgeons as it promotes a shorter recovery period and fewer risks of complications than traditional open spine surgery.

After your procedure, following your doctor’s instructions is essential to ensure a smooth and quick recovery. Your postoperative care plan may include the following:

• Taking over-the-counter or prescription pain medications
• Wearing a bandage and brace until your doctor instructs otherwise
• Abstaining from smoking and drinking alcohol as your body heals
• Refraining from any strenuous activity until at least your first follow-up appointment
• Avoiding driving without your doctor’s permission
• Attending follow-up appointments and physical therapy

Most motion preservation spine surgery patients heal and return to their daily activities within two to four weeks after surgery. Your doctor will carefully monitor your progress and advise you on the best time to resume your regular routines. 

Discuss Your Treatment Options With an Award-Winning Spine Surgeon 

At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, our highly-qualified spine specialists have extensive experience treating several painful conditions with motion preservation surgery. We prioritize minimally invasive procedures to ensure our patients experience as little disruption as possible to their health, safety, and comfort. Our board-certified surgeons have dedicated their careers to helping patients like you relieve their symptoms and return to a joyful, pain-free life. 

To schedule an appointment with an award-winning spine surgeon, call us today at (866) 553-0612 or complete our contact form.